2009-11-24_INSPECTION - C1981019

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Colowyo C- 1981 -019 10 Nov 2009 Pg 2/7 4 � Roads (cont.) - The road in Taylor draw (to access the East Taylor, West Taylor and West Pit Ponds) was stable and well maintained at the time of the inspection. There were a few spots in the road with very minor rutting. The spur to the West Taylor Pond was also in good condition with minor rutting in spots. No erosional problems were noted on the road. - The Sturgeon road is a gravel surfaced road that goes to the Section 28 and (not yet constructed) Section 21 Ponds. The road is in good condition and stable with no rutting or erosional problems noted. The five Missouri crossings along the length of the road remain well defined and functional. The roadside ditch was clean and appeared to be functioning as designed. Hydrologic Balance: - Culvert M, which is one of the two "problem" culverts, contained a small amount of sediment but still maintained in excess of its minimum 21 " opening. The small sump just before the culvert was also clean. - Culvert K, the other "problem" culvert, was just at its 20" minimum opening diameter. This culvert should be cleaned prior to the winter, as any additional sediment build -up will make this culvert out of compliance. The small sump just before the culvert was mostly full and should be cleaned as well to help keep sediment out of the culvert. *See pictures at the end of this report.* - The Section 16 Pond (NPDES 009A) contained water approximately seven feet below the top of the discharge pipe and was not discharging. The pond embankment was well vegetated and stable. - The Gossard Pond (NPDES 003A) contained water approximately three feet below the discharge pipe and was not discharging. The pond embankment was well vegetated and stable. The concrete sump that was built several years ago has done a good job at keeping sediment and coal fines out of the pond. Both sides of the concrete sump were clean at the time of the inspection. - The Rail Loop Pond (NPDES 006A) contained a small amount of water at the inlet and was not discharging. This pond contains a large amount of sediment and is scheduled to be cleaned this winter. After the pond is cleaned Colowyo needs to move the sediment /coal fines piles from the cleaning of the train tunnel to the pit as well so they do not flow into the pond and fill it back up. The pond embankment was well vegetated and stable and no erosional problems were noted. - The Stoker Siding Pond (NPDES 005A) contained water approximately three feet below the top of the discharge pipe and was discharging a trickle from the weep hole. The pond embankment was well vegetated and stable and no erosional problems were noted. The emergency spillway remains stable. - The West Pit Pond (NPDES 008A) contained a very small amount of water approximately five feet below the bottom of the gated discharge pipe and was not discharging at the time of the inspection. The pond embankment was well vegetated and stable and no erosional problems were noted. The presettling pond at the inlet of the West Pit Pond was almost dry.